2. amps-preamps
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solid state vs tubes

has anyone compared a tube amp to a solid state amp and discovered that the diffference sonically between them was undetectable. ? if so what was the tube amp and what was the solid state amp ?

the reason for the question is the basic issue of the ability to distinguish a tube amp from a solid state amp.

this is especially interesting if the components were in production during the 90's , 80's or 70's.

if the components are in current production the probability of such aan occurrence might increasea.

why own a tube amp if there exists a solid state amp that sounds indistinguishable from it ?
mrtennis
phaelon
1,053 posts
 
Interesting Mrtennis. It makes me wonder: Do you think there a single set of speakers and components that are capable of revealing everything that the finest examples of each design have to offer?
magfan
1,583 posts
 
I suspect, but don't know that the differences between current source and voltage source amps....and the speakers they go BEST with would preclude a single system with 'plug in the amp' testing possible....at the highest level.

As near as I understand it.....Carver nulled the amps by somehow comparing thru a single speaker. When the speaker made NO sound....or some large value 'down', they amps were producing the SAME sound. The louder the speaker, the greater the difference between amps. This is the source of the 't-mod' which was part of my now ancient Carver Cube, the M-400t.

I don't remember the exact numbers, but just for example, when the speaker being used was say......nulled to -60db, you could say they were the 'same' to 1 part in 10,000 or some such.

ONE possible flaw in this ointment is that of the speaker used. If it was a highly reactive load, the tube amp would not be at its 'best' while a speaker of the single driver/full range persuasion may put the SS at a disadvantage. I doubt there is an 'easy' or even 'best' answer here.

Buy / run / listen to, whatever floats your boat. Play safe, eat slowly and chew well. don't stay out late and respect your elders.
phaelon
1,053 posts
 
LOL Magfan, Just how many shots did you do between those last two paragraphs?
unsound
7,334 posts
 
Magfan, You might appreciate this advise:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpTyG60zvcI&feature=related
magfan
1,583 posts
 
This thread is one of those no-win threads.
Like a 'what is best' thread. No single answer.
I'll probably never own a system better than I've got now, unless I win the lottery or somebody tosses me the key and alarm codes to the local fantasy land.
Just trying inject some levity.....the opposite of gravity. It was getting too serious.
And seriously, don't you think I've got a reasonable viewpoint?

Enjoy!
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